Contact: Maridith Geuder
Music ranging from the classic compositions of Johannes Brahms to the traditional jazz of Duke Ellington will be featured Nov. 19 in a free concert at Mississippi State University.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the MSU Wind Ensemble will play a selection of classical and contemporary works, followed by the MSU Jazz Ensemble and Combo's performance of various swing, jazz, and rock compositions.
The Lee Hall auditorium program is sponsored by the music education department.
Under the direction of Famous Maroon Band program director Elva Kaye Lance and associate director Phil Min, the wind ensemble will introduce the works of two contemporary composers. "Ponte Romano" by Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost, and "Van Gogh Portraits" by Cuba native Aldo Rafael Forte will be performed locally for the first time.
The group's other selections will include "Escape from Plato's Cave," a new work by contemporary composer Stephen Melillo, who is scheduled to be guest conductor in January for the MSU Honor Wind Symphony. Rounding out the performance are two traditional compositions, "Two Chorale Preludes" by Johannes Brahms, and the classic march "Esprit de Corps" by Robert Jager.
Under the direction of music education department head Michael R. Brown, the Jazz Ensemble and Combo will provide renditions of "How High the Moon," featuring the trombone section in an arrangement by David Wolpe.
Other jazz numbers will be Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' Until You Hear From Me," featuring senior music education major Daniel Wade of DeKalb on alto saxophone; "Two Seconds to Midnight," by Alan Blaylock, and Diane Warren's "There You'll Be" from the motion picture "Pearl Harbor."
For more information on the combined performances, telephone (662) 325-3070.